2026 -- H 8053

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LC005140

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE--PROCEDURE GENERALLY --

EVIDENCE

     Introduced By: Representative Matthew S. Dawson

     Date Introduced: February 27, 2026

     Referred To: House Judiciary

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 9-19 of the General Laws entitled "Evidence" is hereby amended by

adding thereto the following section:

     9-19-45. Fair and reasonable charge for medical and healthcare services in all civil

actions.

     In all civil actions now or hereafter pending in any court, agency, arbitration forum, or

other tribunal based upon a cause of action for injury or for wrongful death, including causes of

action based upon medical, dental, or professional malpractice, the fair and reasonable charge for

medical, hospital, therapeutic, and other healthcare services shall be the amount billed by the

licensed healthcare provider. The amount paid to the licensed healthcare provider by any health,

accident or disability insurer, any state or federal health insurance or disability program, any

medical payments or personal injury protection insurance, or any workers' compensation benefits,

and the acceptance thereof by the licensed healthcare provider in full satisfaction of the amount

billed, shall be inadmissible as evidence of the fair and reasonable charge for such services.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC005140

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO COURTS AND CIVIL PROCEDURE--PROCEDURE GENERALLY --

EVIDENCE

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     This act would provide that for purposes of all civil actions, the fair and reasonable charge

for certain medical and dental services is the amount billed by the licensed healthcare provider.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC005140

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